Every March, South Africans pause to reflect on Human Rights Month a time rooted in memory, sacrifice and the ongoing pursuit of dignity. In 2026, the community of Sharpeville once again invites the country to engage with history differently through the SINAM 1960 NPC Human Rights Month Programme, a three day commemorative experience running from 19–21 March under the bold declaration: Sharpeville is NOT a Massacre.
Now in its second year, following a successful inaugural programme in 2025, the initiative blends reflection, education, sport and celebration. Reframing remembrance as an active, living community experience rather than a moment frozen in the past.
At the heart of this year’s programme is an unexpected symbol:
The Flamingo!
Once a familiar sight at Leeukuildam, affectionately known by locals as Dlomo Dam, migrating flamingos gathered there seasonally, leaving behind a lasting imprint on community memory. Though they no longer arrive, their symbolic presence endures, representing resilience, migration, and renewal. This year, organisers invite visitors to quite literally “follow the flamingo” back to Sharpeville.
Day One: Golf for Community Development
The programme tees off on 19 March with the Sharpeville is NOT a Massacre Golf Day, hosted at the scenic Emfuleni Golf Estate.
Presented in collaboration with the Knights Golf Club, a long-time partners of SINAM’s golf initiatives since 2024 the event forms part of the DIPAPADI Community Development Programme, using sport as a platform for social investment and relationship-building between business, civic leaders and community stakeholders.
More than a leisure activity, the golf day sets the tone for the weekend: community upliftment through participation.
Day Two: Rights on Paper, Rands in Pockets
20 March, the focus shifts from the fairway to the classroom with the Tlong Sekolong Human Rights Dialogue, hosted in partnership with North-West University Vaal Campus.
Marking 30 years since the signing of South Africa’s Constitution, signed at George Thabe Stadium on 10 December 1996, the 2026 dialogue interrogates a pressing question: What have constitutional rights translated into for young people economically?
Under the compelling theme: “Rights on Paper, Rands in Pockets.”
The discussion will explore youth economic participation across education, employment and entrepreneurship. The panel brings together representatives from:
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- National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
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- National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
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- A Sharpeville community representative
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- An academic voice from North-West University
Beginning at 14:00, the dialogue invites scholars from local Sharpeville high schools to engage directly with decision-makers and experts — bridging policy conversations with lived youth realities.
Hosted under the Tlong Sekolong Community Development Programme, the session aims to leave young attendees not only inspired but informed about pathways toward meaningful economic participation. The dialogue is open to the public. Members of the public who wish to be part of the audience can register via this link: https://sinam.org.za/tlong-sekolong-lecture/
Day Three Morning: Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Human Rights Day itself begins where history lives.
At 07:00 on 21 March, participants gather on Zwane Street outside the Old Sharpeville Police Station, a UNESCO-recognised Mandela Legacy World Heritage Site and the location tied to the events of 1960.
Here, the community sets off for the Heroes Fun Run (8km) and Fun Walk (5km) under the moving theme: PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES
The event honours the lives lost while transforming remembrance into movement and collective healing. Open to all ages, the run encourages participation across generations.
Registration costs R60, with proceeds funding SINAM’s ongoing community development programmes.
Participants can register online:
https://sinam.org.za/heroes-fun-run-walk/
Day Three Finale:
A Block Party for the People
Commemorations conclude with celebration at the SINAM Block Party, hosted at 8770 Sefatsa Street, just steps from the historic precinct.
From 10:00 until late, the streets come alive with music, community energy and fireworks, featuring performances by artists including:
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- JustSam
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- DJ Pearl
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- Internationally recognised house DJ Harrison Crump
Tickets are available via WebTickets:
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1588719001
A Community-Led Vision
According to SINAM 1960 NPC CEO Sechaba Khoaele, anticipation for this year’s programme has been building steadily.
“The organising committee is incredibly excited to welcome people back to Sharpeville. What makes this programme special is the growing anticipation from the community itself. People are no longer just attending, they feel ownership of the experience. Each year we are building something that honours history while creating opportunity and pride for the present generation.”
Executive Chairperson Khoabane Lelimo emphasised gratitude toward supporters and partners:
“We thank the community for continuously supporting our initiatives and believing in the vision of SINAM. We are equally grateful to our partners — Rand Water, Emfuleni Local Municipality and the North-West University — for being brave enough to stand with us, even when our work and even our name challenge conventional thinking.
More Than Commemoration
The SINAM Human Rights Month Programme reframes Sharpeville not as a place defined solely by tragedy, but as a living cultural and intellectual space one where sport, dialogue, heritage and celebration coexist. Like the flamingos that once gathered at Dlomo Dam, the programme invites visitors to return, reconnect and rediscover a community continually in motion.
This March, the message is simple:
Follow the FLAMINGO to Sharpeville!
For communication enquiry info@sinam.org.za